Chapter 2
Pay
In China almost everyone pays by scanning a QR code with their phone. Add your foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay and you can pay like a local.
- 1 Add your foreign card to AlipayLink a Visa, Mastercard or other international card to Alipay and pay almost anywhere in China. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 2 Add your foreign card to WeChat PayWeChat is China's everyday messaging app — and with a card added, a second way to pay. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 3 How to pay with your phone: scan, or show your codeThere are only two ways to pay by phone in China. Here's which one to use and when. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 4 Limits & fees: where to checkSpending limits and service fees for foreign cards change. Here's where to find today's numbers. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 5 How much cash to carryYou'll rarely need cash, but a little is a good back-up. Here's when it helps and where to get it. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 6 If a payment fails — quick fixesCard declined at the till? Work down this list. It's usually fixed in a minute. Checked 25 Oct 2026